Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

Plattsburgh, July 7.

It will be recollected that some time in the month of February, 1814, M'Cowen, a soldier in the service of the U. States, while in the rear guard marching from Chateaugay to Plattsburgh, was inhumanly beaten, by reason of which he died. Two or three citizens with baggage for the army, who were passing at the time reported; and in fact swore positively that it was Lieut. Pike. He was accordingly arrested, and examined, and from the testimony of those witnesses, committed to prison where he was confined till the session of the court of over and terminer in this county, in June 1814. The district attorney not being prepared on the part of the people his trial was delayed until the late session of the court on the 27th day of June last. In justice to Lieut. Pike, we state to the public, that he appeared on trial against the same witnesses who had heretofore sworn him guilty, (and who on this trial swore the same) and proved the witnesses to be absolutely mistaken in his person, by persons who were present with him on the whole march; and that he was not guilty of any misconduct whatever either to M'Cowen, or any other individual.--He was stopped by the court without having gone through with a fourth part of his testimony, being satisfied of his innocence, and was discharged accordingly.